As Copa Airlines marks its 70th anniversary, it is also paying tribute to the spirit and commitment of those battling breast cancer and prostate cancer

Earlier today, during its 70th anniversary celebration, Copa Airlines unveiled one of the airplanes that will be emblazoned with the logo of this anti-cancer initiative, carrying important messages about preventing breast cancer and prostate cancer to every destination that Copa serves.

Copa Airlines and Tocumen International Airport are joining forces in support of this important cause, making the Hub of the Americas a driving force in this campaign.

The campaign, spearheaded by the office of Panama’s First Lady, aims to raise awareness about the importance of screenings for early detection of cancer.

Panama City, October 2, 2017

As Copa Airlines marks its 70th anniversary, it is also paying tribute to the spirit, determination, and commitment of patients battling breast cancer and prostate cancer in Panama and throughout Latin America. Copa Airlines and Tocumen International Airport are both joining a campaign to raise awareness about the importance of screenings for early detection of breast cancer and prostate cancer. The campaign is spearheaded by the office of Panama’s First Lady, Lorena Castillo de Varela, and this year, the campaign motto is “Today we celebrate life by fighting cancer together.”

Today, during a ceremonial event at Tocumen International Airport, Copa Airlines officially unveiled one of the 15 airplanes that will be emblazoned with the campaign’s logo throughout this month, spreading its important and inspiring message. These airplanes will carry the campaign’s logo into the skies and across the continent, where it will reach the more than 70 destinations in 31 countries served by Copa Airlines.

In speaking about the campaign, Copa Airlines’ Vice President for Human Resources, Vidalia De Casado, said, “We decided to join this effort because we firmly believe that it’s essential for people to be aware and vigilant. It’s essential to recognize the importance of having regular, timely screenings. We are deeply committed to spreading the message as far and wide as possible, with the aim of encouraging more people to adopt a healthy lifestyle and visit the doctor for preventive care.”

Panama’s First Lady, Lorena Castillo de Varela, was in attendance at the event, as was the general manager of Tocumen International Airport, Mr. Carlos Duboy. Both of them shared their feelings about this public-service campaign, which has brought them, along with Copa Airlines, together in a shared effort.

“I thank each and every one of the individuals, from so many different areas, who, like Copa Airlines, have joined this campaign to remind us that today we celebrate life by fighting cancer together,” said Panama’s First Lady, Lorena Castillo de Varela.

“We gratefully acknowledge Copa Airlines, FundaCáncer, and Fundayuda—organizations that bring fierce determination, persistence, and precious human capital to the effort to raise awareness about the need to prevent cancer. We are proud to be part of the challenge and the ongoing commitment involved in activities like this, which are so important when it comes to promoting health and preventing this disease,” said the manager of Tocumen International Airport, Carlos Duboy.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 30% of deaths from various types of cancer could be prevented by avoiding exposure to a number of common risk factors, such as obesity, unhealthy diet, lack of physical activity, and alcohol and tobacco use. Tobacco use is the leading cause of approximately 22% of cancer-related deaths globally.

In Panama, cancer is one of the leading causes of death. In light of this fact, strategies that help people understand the importance of prevention are key to keeping them from becoming part of these statistics.

In honor of cancer-prevention month, Copa Airlines also holds a variety of events to promote employee well-being, including health fairs, presentations on the importance of regular preventive screenings, and more. Copa Airlines will also be offering mammograms for employees and their family members, making it easier for them to benefit from this important cancer-prevention tool.